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"Trial" dosages of HRT

Started by yukki, August 27, 2008, 03:03:19 PM

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yukki

August 27, 2008, 03:03:19 PM Last Edit: August 27, 2008, 03:12:10 PM by Sarah Louise
Hi all, I was just curious what is common for a "trial run" on HRT.  2 months ago I obtained a prescription for estradiol and spironolactone and have been continuing to take them.  Obviously my doctor started me out on a lower dosage to test how I would take to it, but is it normal to be on the "test" dosage for a long period of time?  My doctor had said to talk to her in 6 months (back in mid July-ish), despite not even giving me a 6 month prescription (something like 4 for one, 5 for the other).  I'm not sure if she didn't want to tax my resources (I didn't have an income at the time), or she really didn't know what she was doing.  I recently moved, so obviously I'm thinking about trying to find a doctor who may be more knowledgeable.

Anyone have any experiences in this regard?  Is this normal?
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NicholeW.

#1
August 27, 2008, 03:25:46 PM
"Normal" seems to be different for different docs, yukki. What she is giving you is probably what she feels comfortable with.

One of the "downsides" with a lot of docs without a lot or even some experience of TS HRT is that they will "see" an over-large dosage of estrogen a lot of times when they are used to seeing the levels of natal women. Dosages for menopausal HRT for women are much lower than dosages often prescribed for transitioning women.   

Problem with the scripts is that no doctor HAS to give you what you want or change your regimen until they feel comfortable with it. So, maybe some research and some blood levels especially for luteinizing hormone may help convince her to up your dosage, but she is under no obligation to go against what she thinks is best.

:icon_hug:

Nichole
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Jordan

#2
August 28, 2008, 05:11:31 AM
This is exactly what my endo has done, she gave me 4 months of hormones for a six month period..

It has me thinking kinda WTF???

So I have just kinda spread them out a bit to make it work for all six months.

I think that is relativly normal, they want to see if you actually take them, ect....
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yukki

#3
August 28, 2008, 02:00:46 PM
Quote from: Jordan on August 28, 2008, 05:11:31 AM
This is exactly what my endo has done, she gave me 4 months of hormones for a six month period..

It has me thinking kinda WTF???

So I have just kinda spread them out a bit to make it work for all six months.

I think that is relativly normal, they want to see if you actually take them, ect....

Interesting that you had a similar experience, and interesting theory about why.

Considering that I just moved, I'll be finding a new doctor soon either way.  By moved, I mean I moved across the country (aka nowhere near my old doctor), I'll be needing a new one anyway.  I'll talk to the new one about dosages and see if I can get any bloodtests to make sure everything is looking good, since my previous doctor did nothing of the sort.

Obviously this is all very important to me, so I want to make sure things go optimally.
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Elwood

#4
August 28, 2008, 06:25:02 PM
Lol. Does T even get a trial? The effects are mostly irreversible.  :P
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Aiden

#5
August 28, 2008, 09:39:25 PM
Hope so.  really when do start want to try low doses first, though mainly just to see how I react to it emotionally
Every day we pass people, do we see them or the mask they wear?
If you live under a mask long enough, does it eventually break or wear down?  Does it become part you?  Maybe alone, they are truly themselves?  Or maybe they have forgotten or buried themselves so long, they forget they are not a mask?
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Jordan

#6
August 28, 2008, 10:49:28 PM
I found in the begginning month or so I was really suspectable to sadness, and particulary crying, but now like 5 months after starting I dont really feel that way anymore... Seems it was just a big shock then died down....
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Elwood

#7
August 29, 2008, 07:19:34 PM
Quote from: Aiden on August 28, 2008, 09:39:25 PMHope so.  really when do start want to try low doses first, though mainly just to see how I react to it emotionally
Meh. I don't want trials. It was just a question for informational purposes. I know I won't back down on T. If T makes me a bitch, I'll find a way to counter it.
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deviousxen

#8
August 29, 2008, 07:32:51 PM
wanking. Get used to it...
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Elwood

#9
August 29, 2008, 07:57:25 PM
Quote from: deviousxen on August 29, 2008, 07:32:51 PMwanking. Get used to it...
Currently doesn't work out for me. But maybe in the future I'll find coping methods that make it so I don't feel dysphoric when I touch my naughty bits.
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Aiden

#10
August 29, 2008, 08:00:02 PM
Well as is I have to take things slow in even working.  I nearly lost my job because of my temper, only reason haven't is because I work in a place where the workers all have disorders of some kind and it has allowed me some leeway and a chance to be able to work ways to function in a job.  I've learned that mentally my mind has to take things a step at a time.  Otherwise I tend to get overloaded.  As is I tend to try and do more than I can handle anyways lol
Every day we pass people, do we see them or the mask they wear?
If you live under a mask long enough, does it eventually break or wear down?  Does it become part you?  Maybe alone, they are truly themselves?  Or maybe they have forgotten or buried themselves so long, they forget they are not a mask?
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Elwood

#11
August 29, 2008, 08:06:28 PM
The fact is, trying T won't make it any easier for you later. If it's going to make you rage, it's going to make you rage, no matter how long you wait. Maybe there is a way to slowly increase the dose from a low amount, but I never considered that a trial. One guy I know is on 1/3 dose permanently because that's all he needs.
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Aiden

#12
August 29, 2008, 08:35:14 PM
the slow increase is what I mean.  start out low and as it increases work on deal with the emotions.  But I do feel that T will at least iliminate some of the distress I have and probably will not really effect me to much different.
Every day we pass people, do we see them or the mask they wear?
If you live under a mask long enough, does it eventually break or wear down?  Does it become part you?  Maybe alone, they are truly themselves?  Or maybe they have forgotten or buried themselves so long, they forget they are not a mask?
  •  

Elwood

#13
August 29, 2008, 08:55:21 PM
Quote from: Aiden on August 29, 2008, 08:35:14 PMthe slow increase is what I mean.  start out low and as it increases work on deal with the emotions.  But I do feel that T will at least iliminate some of the distress I have and probably will not really effect me to much different.
Oh. You can definitely ask to do that, I think.
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Mister

#14
August 29, 2008, 09:12:41 PM
Quote from: Aiden on August 29, 2008, 08:35:14 PM
the slow increase is what I mean.  start out low and as it increases work on deal with the emotions.  But I do feel that T will at least iliminate some of the distress I have and probably will not really effect me to much different.

Yup, this is probably a good idea.  I also HIGHLY recommend both learning to self-inject ASAP and going on a weekly shot schedule, if you choose injections.  Weekly means smaller, more frequent doses that keep your levels- and mood- steadier.  'Crashing' from T felt like PMS to me, I was cranky, I knew it was hormonal and immediately went to a weekly schedule.  It has never happened since.  Learning to self-inject will keep you from wasting your life going to/from the doctor's office and sitting in the waiting room every week waiting for your shot.  Plus you can do things like, say, go on vacation and not have your levels drop!
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Aiden

#15
August 29, 2008, 10:02:30 PM
yeh,  btw what's the cheapest form that is fairly steady?  I like to try the androgel or whatever call it, but think it cost lot more lol.  I'm not overly worried about someone coming into contact with it.  figure it would be under my cloths lol
Every day we pass people, do we see them or the mask they wear?
If you live under a mask long enough, does it eventually break or wear down?  Does it become part you?  Maybe alone, they are truly themselves?  Or maybe they have forgotten or buried themselves so long, they forget they are not a mask?
  •  

deviousxen

#16
August 29, 2008, 10:06:53 PM
Quote from: Elwood on August 29, 2008, 07:57:25 PM
Quote from: deviousxen on August 29, 2008, 07:32:51 PMwanking. Get used to it...
Currently doesn't work out for me. But maybe in the future I'll find coping methods that make it so I don't feel dysphoric when I touch my naughty bits.


I was talking about when you're on T. T makes you a horny bastard.
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Aiden

#17
August 29, 2008, 10:08:57 PM
LOL maybe I'll actually have a dang sex drive then LOL.   Dono. 
Every day we pass people, do we see them or the mask they wear?
If you live under a mask long enough, does it eventually break or wear down?  Does it become part you?  Maybe alone, they are truly themselves?  Or maybe they have forgotten or buried themselves so long, they forget they are not a mask?
  •  

Mister

#18
August 29, 2008, 10:25:43 PM
Quote from: Aiden on August 29, 2008, 10:02:30 PM
yeh,  btw what's the cheapest form that is fairly steady?  I like to try the androgel or whatever call it, but think it cost lot more lol.  I'm not overly worried about someone coming into contact with it.  figure it would be under my cloths lol

The injections are cheapest at $35/5 mo.  The gels/creams/patches give you the steadiest dose and range in price from $150-400/mo.  Other forms of T (implants, oral) I don't know the cost of offhand.   There are prescription assistance programs for androgel, but your doctor needs to state on the form that you are male and you must meet certain income requirements.  I believe the cost with the prescription assistance is $50/6 mo, though that could be wrong.
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Aiden

#19
August 29, 2008, 10:51:54 PM
hmm yeh current income would have to do injections lol but hopefully can get more income now not hindered by school lol
Every day we pass people, do we see them or the mask they wear?
If you live under a mask long enough, does it eventually break or wear down?  Does it become part you?  Maybe alone, they are truly themselves?  Or maybe they have forgotten or buried themselves so long, they forget they are not a mask?
  •  
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